However, I would like to talk about a couple of issues that was brought up a couple of days ago.

One of them is the 747-300, I noticed that a lot of you agree that not a lot of airlines was impressed by the aircraft, however actually KLM was very impressed with the aircraft, so impressed that they returned there 10 200 series to boeing and have them refited to a 300 version. Not like other airlines who ask boeing for range, KLM is the only airline I know who always asks for Payload first. I guess this is due to the fact that they are kind of close to every US city that the 300 version can fly to with max pax and Cargo. Currently KLM operates 3 300s, 8 200 SUDS, and 2 200 SUDs F.

So another thing I would like to talk about is there aircraft renewal plan. You guys probably know that KLM has a lot of money right now, I heard rumors that they can currently buy planes in cash, thats how much money they have. But anyways it is hard to say which aircraft there going to replace there 300s with. Since most of them are Combi versions, its hard to find a replacement, other than the 747-400C. So I dont think they would change there 300 version with the 777-200/300 due to that they dont have a combe version. And more MD11's is also out of the question. I spoken to one KLM pilot and he said that the company was not really happy about the aircraft, even though they have operated every type of MD's around except the 80 and 90 series. So I think the MD11 is out of the question so too are the whole A340 and 330 line. In my opinion only the 747-400C can replace those 300s, it would be very costly to buy 10 however its the perfect aircraft since they already operate 20 of them. Or if they can wait, I also heard that they are VERY INTERESTED with airbus about the A3XX program. If it lunches next year they could be one of the lunch customers to replace there 747-300's.

But with all the 747s I kind a like the 300 version a lot. Ive flown on one with KLM before.

May I add a note that it isn't the 747-300 KLM is going to replace!!! This whole issue started over the 300 'SEAT'-size aircraft, not the 300 'TYPE'-747. The 747-300 will stay at least another decade. They will be fitted with glass cockpits.

The issue is the MD11 and the 767-300 to be replaced by a single type or group of types with the same cockpits (airbusses). All MD11 (minus one) and all 767's are leased. They want to reduce the number of types in the fleet. In the running are 777-200/300's and A330/A340's. But this is all speculation. We'll just have to wait and see what it'll be!!

I believe that KLM will order the 777-200/300 because it has a similiar cockpit to the 747-400, and they are upgrading their 747-300s to glass cockpits. With all that happening, I believe that Boeing has the upper hand. Plus, KLM loves their 747-400s and 747-300s.

"History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or timid." D. Eisenhower